8 July 2016

Oxford PharmaGenesis is celebrating a third award for their original research demonstrating that professional medical writing support improves the quality of clinical trial reporting. “We’re delighted that our independent research has again been recognized as an important milestone for our industry”, says co-author and Commercial Director, Dr Richard White.

Full and accurate disclosure of clinical trial findings is vital in helping to advance patient care, and this is reflected by an ever-increasing series of requirements for timely reporting of results. “Our study clearly demonstrates the value that medical communications professionals can bring to evidence-based medicine in today’s patient-focused environment”, says fellow author and Managing Director, Dr Chris Winchester.

This research shows that compliance with reporting guidelines in medical journal articles is significantly increased when medical writers are involved; the quality of written English is also significantly improved. “I am extremely proud that Oxford PharmaGenesis has been recognized for our commitment to ensuring the highest possible levels of quality and transparency in publishing clinical research and demonstrating the role that medical writing support can play in achieving this”, said Dr Winchester when receiving the Communiqué award for Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility at a black tie dinner at Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

This study, described as “genuinely innovative and clever”, is the first to show convincingly the value that medical writers bring to disseminating clinical research. The work was conducted in collaboration with two independent experts in clinical trial reporting and assessed completeness of reporting using the widely valued Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) checklist. The judging panel noted the robust nature of the approach and highlighted Oxford PharmaGenesis’ leading role in driving the debate on transparency of clinical trials. The work has already received recognition from industry peers, winning the ‘Best in Original Research’ prize at both the European and Annual Meetings of the International Society for Medical Publication Professionals. Publication of the study findings in BMJ Open earlier this year garnered over 2500 views in the first 2 weeks and also achieved a prominent social media response. The research was also well received at Evidence Live 2016, a global forum for evidence-based medicine.

Oxford PharmaGenesis is also delighted to sponsor this year’s Communiqué Award for Charity, Patient or Professional Association of the Year. The winners, the Eleanor Rose Foundation, were presented with the award by Dr Winchester, who praised the valuable support provided by this group for adults living with cancer.